Terpenes: The Most Common Language in the World

Terpenes are versatile chemical compounds used for communication within and across species. They are made of isoprene units and have diverse biological functions, including roles as vitamins and hormones. Terpenes are responsible for many plant scents and can act as pheromones. They play a crucial role in plant defense by attracting predators of herbivores or warning nearby plants. Terpenes also facilitate inter-species communication, as seen in interactions between fungi and bacteria. Research into terpenes could lead to agricultural innovations, offering alternatives to pesticides and enhancing crop health.

What is the basic structural unit of terpenes?

• Nucleotide

• Amino acid

• Glucose

• Isoprene

How do terpenes primarily aid in plant communication?

• By changing leaf color

• Through scent emission

• By altering plant shape

• Through sound waves

Which of the following is an example of a pheromone?

• Lactic acid

• Glucose

• Chlorophyll

• Androstenol

What is a potential agricultural use of terpenes?

• To reduce water usage

• To enhance photosynthesis

• To repel pests

• To increase soil acidity

What is a unique feature of the terpene Sodo Riffin?

• It has a linear structure

• It is non-volatile

• It is colorless

• It has two cyclic structures smushed together